Diving Category for BC Summer Games

Fraser Valley swimmers take home two gold medals

July 21, 2012 Diving

by Roop Dosanjh:

Fraser Valley’s swimming squad (Zone 3) won two gold medals today in the Boys C 1m final and the Girls C 3m final at South Surrey Pool.

The second day of the BC Summer Games also saw Antoine Klerck of Surrey winning gold with a final time of 219.60, and Tavia Waiz received a total of 231.75 for six dives.Waiz, who is from South Surrey, was very happy to win a medal.

“I’m really excited,” she said. “I didn’t expect it at all, so it’s a really great surprise.”

Although she just started diving this year, Waiz is really proud of the progress she has made. She has gone from not knowing much about diving to winning a gold medal. Waiz has participated in other dive meets, but this is her first appearance at the B.C Summer Games.

“It’s surprising to think that one year ago, I couldn’t do any of this stuff,” said Waiz. “I couldn’t do a flip or anything.”

She says she enjoys diving and plans to continue competing in dive meets.

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Olympic inspiration for Bowen Island diver

July 20, 2012 Diving

By: Roop Dosanjh

A Bowen Island athlete is taking inspiration from a former Olympic athlete as she competes this weekend at South Surrey Pool.

Rebecca Underdown, a diver for Vancouver-Squamish (Zone 5), not only faces the typical struggles of a young diver. She has also been dealing with epidermolysis bollosa, a connective tissue disease that causes blisters on the feet. ”I get blisters really easily, so diving hurts a lot,” explains Underdown. Underdown’s inspiration, drive and motivation come from former diver and Olympic judge Bev Boys, who competed in three Olympic Games. “Ya, maybe it hurts, but look what Bev’s gone through,” said Underdown. “She’s such an amazing diver, and she’s the best in the world.”

Boys, who is also the Technical Director for BC Diving, is honoured that Underdown sees her as a role model. Boys believes the competition, especially at this age, helps kids understand the importance of teamwork and commitment. “That’s cool,” said Boys. “I’m a firm believer in giving back and making sure that kids have the opportunity. We’re keeping them off the street and we’re keeping them busy.”

Underwood participated in the Canadian Diving Nationals last year in Montreal and hopes she can qualify again next year.

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